For some homeowners, pets and rugs just do not mix. While certain rugs aren’t ideal for pet owners, there are rugs that can work for both you and your furry friend. The trick is knowing what to look for and what to avoid. If you’re looking to incorporate rugs back into your home, here are some tips to help you pick the perfect pet-friendly rug.
Pet-Friendly Rug Qualities To Look For
When it comes to picking the perfect pet-friendly rug there are three main things you want to look out for. These include durability and ease of cleaning, low pile and synthetic materials, and being easy to replace. Let’s take a closer look at these factors to help you understand their benefits.
Durable and Easy to Clean
Being a pet owner, you know that messes are bound to happen with pets so you want to look for something that is durable and easy to clean. A great option for pet owners are machine washable rugs. Take a look online and you’ll see that there are many companies that now make machine washable rugs specifically for this reason. Another option is jute rugs. They are highly durable and comparably easy to clean. All you need is a vacuum to suck up pet hair and debris.
Low Pile and Synthetic
Low pile rugs are best so that claws and teeth don’t get snagged and cause damage to the rug or your pet. A good option for low pile rugs are ones made from synthetic materials. Synthetic rugs are durable, easy to clean and are less absorbent than other materials making them a good choice for pet owners. If synthetic isn’t for you, you can also try a wool rug. Wool rugs are durable and naturally stain and moisture-resistant. Again, a quick vacuum is all you need to clean a wool rug.
Easy to Replace
Ideally, you want to find a beautiful rug that you love, but when you have pets you have to be okay with the idea of one day parting ways with your rug. This is why we recommend buying rugs that are common and can be easily replaced. Don’t invest in an antique Persian rug if you have a new puppy at home. Instead, an indoor/outdoor rug is a good option as they are meant to withstand the elements and can usually be easily replaced. If you find one you love, buy a second or third as a back-up so you’re ready to replace it if needed.
Rug Qualities That Are Not Pet-Friendly
Now that you know what to look for, there are a few qualities that you want to avoid when looking for a new rug. These include investing in vintage, shag and high pile rugs.
Expensive Vintage Rugs
Vintage rugs are a poor choice when it comes to pets. As mentioned above, you shouldn’t invest in a rare and very expensive rug that is difficult to clean. If you do, you’ll spend all your time worrying about what might happen to it, and you won’t be able to enjoy your home or your pet! Skip the expensive and rare vintage finds if you have a pet or two at home.
Fuzzy Shag Rugs
Shag rugs are not ideal simply because of all the fur, dirt and dander that can easily be collected within them. If your pet has an accident on your shag rug, it will be difficult and unpleasant to clean. Shag rugs are also easy for pets to chew and claw at which can lead to snags in your rug. Your pet’s claws and teeth may also get stuck in the long carpet strings, making an unpleasant experience for everyone.
High Pile Rugs
High pile rugs are also on the do not buy list for pet owners. Similar to shag rugs, it’s very easy for dirt and debris to get stuck in them. If you have friends with pet allergies, the hair caught in your rug could make for an uncomfortable visit for them. In addition, you’ll have to spend a lot of time cleaning, especially if your pet is very fluffy or furry.
Now that you have a better idea of what to look for and what to avoid, you can confidently start shopping. Take a look online or connect with a rug retail specialist who can help you find the perfect rug for your home and pets. This way you won’t have to sacrifice style for functionality. Do you have any tips for living with pets and keeping your rugs clean? Share them with us in the comments or on social media. Happy rug shopping!
